Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Bob Woodward

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Bob Woodward made an impact.

Bob Woodward is a highly influential American investigative journalist renowned for his work at The Washington Post, beginning in 1971. While currently holding the title of associate editor, he's not an active employee. He gained prominence for his extensive investigative reporting, particularly alongside Carl Bernstein, on the Watergate scandal, which led to numerous awards and ultimately, President Richard Nixon's resignation. Woodward has authored or co-authored numerous best-selling books focusing on American politics and presidencies, solidifying his reputation as a significant chronicler of power and decision-making within the U.S. government.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

August 1970: Discharged as Lieutenant

In August 1970, Woodward was discharged as a lieutenant.

1971: Joined The Washington Post

In 1971, Woodward began his career as a reporter for The Washington Post. He no longer works for the Post, but holds the title of associate editor.

1971: Hired as a Post Reporter

In 1971, after a year at the Montgomery Sentinel, Woodward was hired as a reporter for The Washington Post.

June 17, 1972: Assigned to Watergate Burglary

On June 17, 1972, Woodward and Carl Bernstein were assigned to report on the burglary of the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate. Their reporting revealed political "dirty tricks" by Nixon's re-election committee.

1972: Reporting on the Watergate Scandal

In 1972, while a reporter for The Washington Post, Woodward collaborated with Carl Bernstein to report on the Watergate scandal. Their reporting led to government investigations and President Richard Nixon's resignation.

November 1973: Started Covering The Final Days

In November 1973, Woodward and Bernstein began covering The Final Days of Nixon's presidency.

1973: Pulitzer Prize for Public Service

In 1973, Woodward and Bernstein were the lead reporters on Watergate and The Washington Post won the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for the coverage.

1976: The Final Days Publication

In 1976, Woodward and Bernstein published "The Final Days", their second book on Watergate.

The Final Days

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1976: All the President's Men Movie Release

In 1976, the film "All the President's Men", starring Robert Redford as Woodward and Dustin Hoffman as Bernstein, was released. The movie transformed the reporters into celebrities and increased interest in investigative journalism.

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September 1980: "Jimmy's World" Story Appeared

In September 1980, "Jimmy's World", a story about an eight-year-old heroin addict, appeared on the front page of The Washington Post.

April 13, 1981: Pulitzer Prize Awarded and Returned

On April 13, 1981, Janet Cooke was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing for "Jimmy's World". The story was later found to be fabricated, and the Pulitzer was returned.

1986: Co-Writing 'Under Siege'

In 1986, Woodward co-wrote the NBC made-for-TV film "Under Siege" about terrorist attacks in the United States.

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1989: Story Writer for 'The Nightmare Years'

In 1989, Woodward collaborated with Christian Williams as a story writer for "The Nightmare Years", a TNT TV miniseries.

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September 6, 1996: Richard Harwood Defends Woodward

On September 6, 1996, Richard Harwood defended Woodward in a column in The Post, asserting that Woodward's reporting method involved verifying information through interviews and collecting documentary evidence.

1996: China's Alleged Role in Campaign Finance Controversy

In 1996, Woodward and Brian Duffy reported that a Justice Department investigation uncovered evidence that Chinese agents sought to direct contributions to the Democratic National Committee (DNC) before the 1996 presidential campaign.

2001: Robert C. Vance Distinguished Lecture

In 2001, Woodward gave the Robert C. Vance Distinguished Lecture at Central Connecticut State University.

2001: Main Reporter for 9/11 Coverage

In 2001, Woodward was the main reporter for The Washington Post's coverage of the September 11 attacks.

January 2002: Articles on Camp David Events after 9/11

In January 2002, Woodward and Dan Balz described the events at Camp David in the aftermath of September 11 and discussed the Worldwide Attack Matrix in a series of articles.

2002: Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting

In 2002, The Washington Post won the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting for 10 of its stories on the September 11 attacks with Woodward as main reporter.

2004: Plan of Attack Publication

In 2004, Woodward released 'Plan of Attack', a detailed account of the Bush presidency.

Plan of Attack

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2004: Confidential Background Interview

In 2004, during a confidential background interview for his book 'Plan of Attack', Woodward learned about Valerie Plame's CIA employment but did not initially consider it important.

Plan of Attack

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2006: State of Denial Publication

In 2006, Woodward published "State of Denial," detailing the Bush presidency.

State of Denial: Bush at War, Part III

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2008: The War Within Publication

In 2008, Woodward released "The War Within: A Secret White House History (2006–2008)", detailing the Bush presidency.

The War Within: A Secret White House History 2006-2008

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2008: Woodward's Speaking Engagements

In 2008, Woodward was giving speeches to industry lobbying groups, earning between $15,000 and $60,000, which he donated to his personal foundation. This practice was questioned due to Washington Post policy.

2008: Talks at Google

In 2008, during a Talks at Google interview with Eric Schmidt, Woodward mentioned plans for a fourth book in his Bush at War series.

February 22, 2013: Published Column Criticizing Obama Administration

On February 22, 2013, Woodward published a column in The Washington Post criticizing the Obama administration's statements about the sequester.

2018: Participation in Online Class

In 2018, Woodward announced he would participate in an online class on investigative journalism.

2018: Speech after 'Fear' Publication

In 2018, following the release of "Fear: Trump in the White House", Woodward spoke at Virginia Commonwealth University to a large audience.

Fear: Trump in the White House

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May 4, 2019: Kent State Speech with Nixon Revelation

On May 4, 2019, Woodward's speech at Kent State University included the revelation of previously unreleased audiotape where Richard Nixon seemed to approve of the 1970 shooting of four students.